5 great natural and organic mascaras

Long lashes are the perfect summer accessory.

Summer is my almost-no-makeup time. Whatever I put on my face invariably rubs or sweats off anyway, so there doesn't seem much point to it, and frankly, with a little bit of a tan, who needs facepaint anyway? My one exception is mascara; it's simple, doesn't rub off unless you are seriously perspiring, gives definition to the eye when not much else needs attention, and is pretty uncomplicated. Below are my picks for the best natural and/or organic versions of lash-extenders.

LUSH's Eyes Right mascara has an unusual first ingredient: wheatgrass. Yes, the shot of green juice that one usually shoots as a pick-me-up is also, apparently, great for natural lashes. LUSH's formula is light and layerable, meant for a natural look.

Lavera's Double Black Mascara contains both argan and jojoba oil to leave lashes silky sans mascara. This drugstore-available brand is moderately priced and glides on comfortably. It has two brushes (one for lengthening and one for volumizing) and has an impressively natural ingredients list.

Mineral Fusion's Lengthening Mascara is paraben-free and its primary ingredients are moisturizing, including fortifying beeswax, water, and carnuba wax. It is free of artificial colors, fragrances and talc, though it does contain a couple of non-natural ingredients in minimal amounts. And, it works for lengthening lashes, just like the conventional stuff.